Proverbs 6:32
But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.
Original Language Analysis
נֹאֵ֣ף
But whoso committeth adultery
H5003
נֹאֵ֣ף
But whoso committeth adultery
Strong's:
H5003
Word #:
1 of 8
to commit adultery; figuratively, to apostatize
לֵ֑ב
understanding
H3820
לֵ֑ב
understanding
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
4 of 8
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
מַֽשְׁחִ֥ית
it destroyeth
H7843
מַֽשְׁחִ֥ית
it destroyeth
Strong's:
H7843
Word #:
5 of 8
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
נַ֝פְשׁ֗וֹ
his own soul
H5315
נַ֝פְשׁ֗וֹ
his own soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
Cross References
Proverbs 7:7And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,Hebrews 13:4Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.Jeremiah 5:21Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not:Exodus 20:14Thou shalt not commit adultery.Genesis 41:39And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:
Historical Context
Mosaic law prescribed death for adultery (Leviticus 20:10), showing its covenant-breaking severity. Though civil penalties changed, the spiritual and relational destruction remains constant across ages.
Questions for Reflection
- How seriously do you regard sexual sin compared to Scripture's assessment?
- What safeguards protect your heart from sexual temptation's soul-destroying power?
Analysis & Commentary
Adultery destroys the soul—not merely social reputation but one's deepest being. The Hebrew 'nephesh' (soul) encompasses the whole person in relationship with God. Sexual sin violates God's image, covenant fidelity, and one's own integrity, leaving spiritual devastation requiring God's redeeming grace.